Godolphin and James Cummings had mixed reactions to the barrier draws for their two runners in the Typhoon Tracy Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Parisal drew nicely in barrier two for the Group 3 race over 1200m for three-year-old fillies on Saturday while stablemate Ojai drew out second widest out in 17 in the 18-horse field that includes four emergencies.
A year ago, Ojai was contesting the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill and high hopes were high for the filly in the spring.
After a good second in Group 3 company to start her spring campaign, Ojai then failed to trouble the judge in three more starts during the spring.
Returning for an autumn campaign at Sandown, Ojai finished fourth in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m) at Sandown before a last start third up the straight at Flemington on March 4.
“It was a big run up the straight last time, getting to the line solidly,” Cummings said.
“She’s got an awful draw, so she’s going to have a bit to do, but with a bit of pressure on maybe she can work her way into the race and get to the line even more solidly over 1200 metres.
“That would give us satisfaction because both these fillies are on the hunt for their first stakes win.”
While Ojai only has one win from 13 starts, Parisal is aiming for a third straight win and remain unbeaten for the campaign.
Parisal broke though for her maiden win on the Randwick inner track on February 3 before winning a benchmark 78 race on February 18.
“She hasn’t got to this grade yet, so she’s still got to get there, but she’s got something of the fresh form among these three-year-old fillies,” Cummings said.
“We are hopeful she can continue to progress and make this grade. At the very least, she will get run-of-the-race from barrier two.”
